This Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus took flight after we had been watching it for a few minutes. It is uncommon for us to see a Snowy Owl in flight, because they seldom hunt in the daytime, and so are usually perched on or near the ground, where the snow provides excellent camoflauge. This is a more common sight.
This was the way we spotted this Snowy Owl initially.
On our annual trip to the northern central part of Washington state to see winter birds there we are especially looking for a couple of birds that both seem to thrive in the snow, and also have some version of the word snow in their name.
Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis are a small black-white-and rusty colored bird in their winter plumage. In summer on the breeding grounds they are all black and white as the rusty feather tips wear off to leave the breeding plumage coloration.
We often find them in huge flocks, and we estimated this flock at 1200 birds.
Other winter specialties are great too, but don't have snow in their name like these Gray-crowned Rosy Finches Leucosticte tephrocotis.
and the Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
I'll leave with one of my winter favorites the Sharp-tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus. These grouse are year-round residents, but are much more easily found after snow covers the ground and they are pushed up into the birch trees to feed during the daytime. When there is no snow they remain well hidden in the grassy areas and are really tough to find if you don't know where to find a lek.
It's good to be home in my own bed and where it is warmer. Today I got out to see some local birds including this Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus.
Until next time. Good birding and good day!